Technology that Opens Doors

At 21 years old, Kiley McClain has already learned that obstacles can become inspiration. As a computer science student at Northampton Community College (NCC), she is driven by a deeply personal mission: to develop assistive technology that helps people with disabilities navigate the world with greater independence. 

That goal is rooted in her own experiences. 

Since seventh grade, McClain has lived with Functional Neurological Disorder, a condition that causes unpredictable episodes of severe vision impairment. Sometimes her vision becomes extremely blurry; other times it disappears completely. Following the onset of the disorder, she experienced total vision loss for three years. She also manages Type 1 diabetes, balancing the daily realities of blood sugar fluctuations while having endured multiple episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis. 

McClain attended Emmaus High School, Overbrook School for the Blind, and Lehigh Career, and Technical Institute (LCTI), where she studied computer information technology. During her four years at Overbrook, she learned Braille, orientation and mobility skills, and a variety of assistive technologies. Those experiences introduced her to the life-changing impact of accessible technology and sparked an interest that would eventually shape her career aspirations. 

^{McClain at Overbrook before her cheering competition}

"I realized how powerful technology could be when it helps people live more independently," she says. "That inspired me to want to be part of creating those tools for others." She would like to develop software for assistive technology or help troubleshoot problems that arise with assistive technology. Eventually, she’d like to teach and train others on how to use this technology. 

Rather than allowing challenges to define her, McClain has used them to strengthen her determination and deepen her understanding of the people she hopes to serve. 

"When you've relied on assistive technology yourself, you understand just how meaningful it is," she explains. "I want to help make everyday life easier for someone else." 

McClain knew NCC was the best fit for her. She was drawn to NCC's academic resources and supportive learning environment, knowing they would help prepare her for a future in computer science while providing what she needed to succeed. 

“Professors in my program teach a different version of coding than what I’m used to learning, so it’s been very interesting. I greatly enjoy the coding and programming aspect, which is also something I greatly enjoyed while attending LCTI. I like figuring out how to make things with code and figuring out how and why things go wrong if they do.” 

This year, she received the Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Scholarship, an award that has eased financial pressures for both McClain and her mother, who are living on fixed incomes due to disabilities. 

"The scholarship will help me purchase textbooks and the software I need for my computer science courses," McClain says. "It enhances my learning experience and reduces stress related to financial constraints. It allows me to continue pursuing my education." 

Beyond the classroom, McClain continues to find ways to serve others. She volunteers whenever her schedule allows and plans to join NCC's Computer Club. Her passion for helping extends into her hobbies as well. An avid crocheter and loom knitter, she makes scarves, hats, and lap blankets, many of which she plans to donate to nursing homes and senior living communities. She is also making pillow covers that can be repurposed into beds for shelter animals. 

After earning her associate degree, McClain plans to transfer to Kutztown University to continue studying computer science before launching a career. She says that her definition of success will be measured by the lives improved through her work, something she looks forward to in the future.